Sep. 23, 2009 - Book Review ~ Big Fat Paycheck
Big Fat Paycheck by Colton Lawrence
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I found this book very helpful and encouraging. The author does not talk as if you already have a big fat paycheck coming in like a lot of other writing books. On the contrary he has written for people who don't have a dime to their name.
By the end of the first chapter I was ready to start writing my screenplay. One thing I did not like however was the language he chose to use. This is directed towards children, but I don't think a lot of the words he used were acceptable for children. However I would recommend this book not just to young teens interested in writing screenplays, but to young teens interested in writing anything. View all my reviews >>
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Aug. 28, 2009 - Where the Wild Things Are
I was a bit surprised to hear they were making Where the Wild Things Are into a movie. The classic children's book that my Dad loves is now going to be on the big screen. Joy?
I've really been wondering how on earth they were going to make this movie, and was totally excited to see the trailer. You'll have to let me know what you think!
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Aug. 21, 2009 - David Copperfield ~ Review
Telling David Copperfield's life story, and a tragic one at that. David's Father dies before he is born, and when David is still young his Mother remarries to not the kindest of men. Eventually his Mother is worn down, and dies leaving David to be sent away.
The young boy however is not happy with his lot in life, and after he, once again looses people he loves, he starts out on a journey to find his Aunt. The Aunt who was present at his birth, but was disappointed by his gender and left, never to be seen since.
Upon seeing him the old woman's heart softens and she takes the small boy in, raising him properly.
David's sorrows do not end there however, he is still yet to bare several more deaths. Sadness is not all that prevails in his life though!
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I myself did not enjoy this story. Every time I picked up to read I set it down again in a depressed mood. I think it was rather long and drawn out, and while there was no point where it was really actually boring, it was not the most exciting of books and it was easy for my mind to wander. I also thought it was rather predictable, only a few times was a surprised by an unexpected turn of events.
However I was pleased with the cast of characters found in this story. The infamous Uriah Heep, the ever so loved Little Em'ly, and Traddles, David's friend from his school days. I'd have to say my favorite was Miss Mowcher!
"'If either of you saw my ankles,' she said, when she was safely elevated, 'say so, and I'll go home and destroy myself.'
'I did not,' said Steerforth.
'I did not,' said I.
'Well then,' cried Miss Mowcher, 'I'll consent to live. Now, ducky, ducky, ducky, come to Mrs. Bond and be killed!'" ~ David Copperfield
Do you enjoy Charles Dickens?
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Jun. 26, 2009 - My Antonia
My Antonia, I wasn't sure what I expected so I'm not sure if it was what I expected. I did enjoy it though at several times I felt as if my mind was drifting, and I would have to go back and read over several paragraphs. I think this was because a lot of things were on my mind though, no fault of the writers.
The back says the book is about a Bohemian immigrant girl who learns how to handle the hard farm life in Nebraska. I didn't think it was just her story though, while it is about Antonia it's about so many other people too. I found the characters so real and fun, I was always excited to see a new name, hoping I would get to know them better.
I loved the settings as well, first out on a farm, and then later in a small town where friends are easily found, then later back to the farm life. I found it had just the right amounts of happiness and sadness.
The story is told by Jimmy Burden who lives with his Grandparents after his Father's death. Jim was so fun, rather a romantic seeing his thoughts and plans was fun. Willa Cather chose the perfect person to narrate.
This was the road over which Antonia and I came on that night when we got off the train at Black Hawk and were bedded down in the straw, wondering children, being taken we knew not whither. I had only to close my eyes to hear the rumbling of the wagons in the dark, and to be again overcome by that obliterating strangeness. The feelings of that night were so near that I could reach out and touch them with my hand. I had the sense of coming home to myself, and of having found out what a little circle man's experience is. For Antonia and for me, this had been the road of Destiny; had taken us to those early accidents of fortune which predetermined for us all that we can ever be. Now I understood that the same road was to bring us together again. Whatever we had missed we possessed together the precious, the incommunicable past.
~ Jim Burden ~ My Antonia ~ Willa Cather
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Over all I believe I would give My Antonia three stars out of five. Although a good book it didn't make my favorites shelf.
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Jun. 23, 2009 - Book Review ~ The Complete Sherlock Holmes Volume 1
"It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth." ~ Sherlock Holmes ~ Sir Arthur Conan Doyle ~ The Complete Sherlock Holmes Volume 1
Wow... I loved this book! When I read the first story in it (A Study in Scarlet) several months ago I didn't think I would like it at all. It took me forever to get through the one story, and I thought it was boring. I finally picked it up again though and began reading the next story, I couldn't put it down. I had planned to stop at the next story and read another book, and then come back and read another story and so on, but I just kept right on reading till the end.
It made me wonder what kind of person Sir Arthur Conan Doyle must have been, to come up with all those ways to murder and rob people, to find clues and hints that would solve the case, and to come up with such interesting characters. Although I did enjoy reading about Watson and Sherlock's adventures I must remind you that it is about murder and crime, and Sherlock does do drugs, and is not the best role model so please make sure to ask your parents before checking it out from the library.
Sherlock Holmes ~ Sir Arthur Conan Doyle ~ The Complete Sherlock Holmes Volume 1
Speaking of Watson... he is one cool guy. When Sherlock Holmes needs some one to do something that could determine the life and death of someone else he can always trust Watson, and Watson is always ready to take on the task. Watson's faith in Holmes is amazing to read about.
Although I did enjoy the stories to no end I think a break for a little while before picking up Volume 2 will be nice.
All in all I give The Complete Sherlock Holmes Volume 1 five stars!
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Dec. 4, 2008 - Prince Caspian - My Opinion
I know you have probably read many reviews on the newest Narnia movie, but after finally getting to see it, I just had to say something.
I'll start from the beginning.
The Fights:
I've heard a lot of people were unhappy because of the fist fight we find Peter in at the beginning. I found myself pleased with it. I had never looked at the fact that the Pevensies had been adults at one time. They were still adjusting to being children again. Thus the fight.
I've also heard complaining about Peter's raid. While thinking of the book, the whole thing screams "NO," at me, but while looking at it as a movie, it was a good addition. Peter had given up on Aslan, not a great thing. This raid was telling the audience that the kings and queens of Narnia couldn't do it alone.
I also noticed that the best was not given to Peter during this raid.
Edmund was late giving his signal because he was goofing off, something he never would have done if Aslan was depending on him.
The Romance:
I almost wouldn't even have called it that. I must say it was not as bad as I thought it would be. A "look," or two, and a quick, unessicary kiss. I was expecting it and braced myself.
The Characters:
Prince Caspian:
I had told myself a hundred times before watching the movie that I would not be happy with Prince Caspian, trying to get used to the idea.
I found that I was more pleased with him then I was with Peter.
Before seeing the movie I thought my biggest problem with him would be his age. My opinion changed after the watching. In The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Ben Barnes will look the perfect age for his character.
Peter:
All I can say is that he used to be my favorite Pevensie. I was seriously displeased with his attitude, and his lack of faith in Aslan.
Susan:
Can someone please tell me what happened to Queen Susan the GENTLE? To me that does not mean running around shooting the bad guys as fast as you can, while wearing a war queen outfit. (her dress was cool though)
Edmund:
I think in Prince Caspian, anyone who still dislikes Edmund from his betrayal in The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, would have a change of mind. Unlike Peter, his attitude was perfect. The only real flaw I saw was when he went with Peter on his silly little raid.
Lucy:
What a breath of fresh air. I thought I would be upset by the fact that they made her look so much older, but once again I was surprised. Her character I think was the one that stayed closest to C. S. Lewis's original.
Aslan:
I wish I had seen more of him. Really, this is all I can say. For those of you who thought, and were bothered that he was different from The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, read on.
In each of the books Aslan has a new face. He was the same lion, but he was different in some ways. If that makes sense. That's what it seemed for me anyway. So I think Aslan was great!
The Rest:
I found it interesting that Peter's first battle in Narnia, his war cry was, "for Narnia!"
By his last one it had changed to, "For Aslan!"
One of those little details that made me happy.
The movie itself was amazing. The special effects, music, and acting were, just as good, if not better then I expected.
I'm ready to watch it again, and this time enjoy it as a movie.
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Oct. 15, 2008 - Calvin, and Hobbes too!
How many have heard of, and maybe even read the comic Calvin and Hobbes, by Bill Watterson?
My Mom had two Calvin and Hobbes comic books, and I loved looking at them when I needed something to laugh about.
Then came the day when the books were no longer on the shelf. Where had they gone? Although I have never been told the real story, I believe they are hidden away someplace in my Mothers room, waiting until my younger brothers are old enough, and wise enough, not to be influenced by Calvin's pranks, thoughts, and games.
What? Calvin, be a bad influence? He couldn't be, he of the perfect manners...
The perfect student...
The calm, patient boy we all know and love...
Lover of dance...
Calvin? As in Hobbes? Be a bad influence? Never!
Well, maybe once, or twice...
Hes not that bad though...
Okay, maybe it's a good thing we can no longer read his books whenever we like.
After all this all I can say is... what a shame he wasn't homeschooled!
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Aug. 29, 2008 - The Binding of the Blade
I would love to call to your attention this wonderful series.
I came across the first book in this series, Beyond the Summerland, in a homeschool store. I thought it looked good and decided to get it.
The gentlemen checking us out asked if we had ever read it before. My Mother answered that we had not, but thought it looked good.
He then proceeded to tell us that at the end, one of the best characters would die and we would feel like throwing the book at the wall, "but keep reading!" He insisted.
On the way home I eagerly started reading.
I loved the book and could hardly put it down for a minute. Alas I had forgotten the words of the gentleman at the store and the end came as a shock.
I felt like throwing the book at the wall. I couldn't wait to check out the second book from the library and I read that one just as quickly as the first, and so it went till I sadly came to the end of the fifth and last book in the series.
So if you are ever in need of a book to read, pick up the first book in The Binding of the Blade series, Beyond the Summerland, by L. B. Graham. This Christian fantasy is 581 pages and written for adults and teens.
If you've read it I would love to hear your thoughts!
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Jan. 28, 2008 - Piratica
I did a tag on this book a few days ago, and here are a few thoughts I had on it.
I thought this was a really fun book. A lot of sword fighting, and treasure seeking. I really thought it was great that the main character would not kill anyone even though she was a pirate. However at the end of the book, Art Blastside is about to be hanged when Felix, the guy she loves, jumps up on the gallows, and stops the hanging with a magnificent speech, and Art, or Piratica as she is called by all her many fans, is spared! Felix uses the excuse that Piratica never hurt anyone, she may have stolen a ship, and a few other things, but she had never really killed anyone! She even let those she stole from keep any positions that might have some sentimental value to her victim. This bothered me. Now I don't think anyone should be killed no matter what they do, they should be punished, but never killed. God gave them life, and it is not any ones place to take it away. Anyway, even though Art did not kill anyone she still did a lot of harm. The owner of the ship she stole was probably hurting his finatial loss, and stealing is still a crime. I think Art should have been punished for what she did at least, and then have been repentant of what she had done. There was also some language in it that any good chirstian person would not say. If you have read this book, please let me know what you thought! 
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Oct. 19, 2007 - Frustrations of a Series
Awhile ago I posted a book review about the book Blood Red Horse, by K.M. Grant. A book that I really enjoyed.
I read the second book in the trilogy, and decided I didn't care for it, but I went ahead and read the third book, and liked it almost as much as I liked the first one.
A good friend of ours pointed it out that a book series is often like this. You like the first few books, but the next ones aren't that great.
I relized that it is the same way with movies, such as Star Wars. My family really like the last three movies, or because it confuses a lot of people the Old Star Wars movies. With the goofy special efects and the whole works. We don't really care for the Phantom Menace and then the next two we just can't stand, and it's like that with a lot of movies.
Now I am reading the series Rangers Apprentice, by John Flanagan.
I have really enjoyed these books, and when I finshed the third book I rushed to the computer found the library website and tried to find out if they had the next book. They didn't.
Today I found out that the forth book is not yet out in America! The author is Australian and it's only out in Australia! What to do until then!
Start another series of corse!
My problem is that I love books that are part of a series. I like books that aren't part of a series, but I want to know more about the characters! What happens next? Where do they wind up? How long do things last like that? Will they be happy for the rest of their lives?
Everything just leaves me hanging.
So that's what I think, but what do you think? Let me know.
Bluejane
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Sep. 10, 2007 - A Blood Red Horse, by K. M. Grant
As some of you may know I had fallen far behind in my Bible reading challenge.
Finally today I cought up and am reading along with everyone else!
While I was behind though, I painstakingly laid aside all of the books I was reading at that time and only read my Bible.
When I finally caught up I went straight back to the book that I had left for so long. I might add that this is now my favorite book.
A Blood Red Horse
This 277 page book is one of a kind.
Set in the time of the third crusade when Richard the Lionheart was King of England, it tells the story of two boys learning to be knights, one girl learning to be a lady, and one horse.
It tells the story of William and Gavin, two brothers who grow up as enemies. Can they learn to love each other as they march to Jerusalem with King Richard?
It tells the story of a a girl named Ellie that gets her self in a jam by only learning how to read,
It is also about a horse, a blood red horse named Hosanna. Though Hosanna changes hands from one person to another he always does as he is told, except once, the time when he knew that what he was told to do was wrong.
In this book, Blood Red Horse, K. M. Grant weaves all of these characters together to make one great book.
If any of you have read, or decide to read it, let me know what you think!
Bluejane
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Jun. 27, 2007 - The Sercret History of Tom Trueheart and Boston Jane
Because of the yearly summer reading program from the library, I have been doing a lot of reading. I just finished two books, one of wich I really enjoyed. I didn't like the other one, I found a few problems with it.
The first book is called The Secret History of Tom Trueheart, by Ian Beck. This was the book I really enjoyed.
Eyebright, and I have always liked twisted fairytale stories, or retellings of fairytales. When I picked this book up I didn't know what magic it held inside of it.
I won't tell you a lot about it because I don't want to give it away for you, but here are some of the reasons I enjoyed it.
It is about a boy named Tom Trueheart (obviously!), who goes on a quest. I have always liked books with quests in them.
I also like the fact that Tom actually succeds in his quest, and there is a happy ending.
Aside for the fact that it was written for younger audiences it was a really great book.
It's got all the most famous fairytales in it, like Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella. They are told in a diffrent way though to make them fun.
The best part about it though is that the author left an opening at the end for a second book!
This book had a few problems, it's called Boston Jane and is written by Jennifer Holm.
First of all the description on the front flap is a pack of lies in my opinion. At the beginning of the book, Jane goes against her fathers wishes when she goes Northwest. She allowed herself to be blinded to her fiance's true intentions, and as for wits... She doesn't have any! She is a childish, stupid girl.
Another reason I don't like this book is because it kills off my favorite girl character, and then brings her back into the story as a ghost. I do like reading fantasy, but I avoid the books with the ghosts in them.
Anyway, this was my opinion on these books. I would love to have you read them, and tell me what you think. I liked The Secret History of Tom Trueheart so much I put the CD on hold at the library so that my family could listen to it while in the car.
As for Boston Jane I don't think I'm going to get the second one. It's really not worth wasting the time to read it when I could be reading better books like The Secret History of Tom Trueheart!
Bluejane
